Is there any difference between special and especial, specially and especially?

Question

Would there be any instance where one would use one and not the other?

Answer 1

In most contexts “specially” is more common than “especially,” but when you mean “particularly” “especially” works better: “I am not especially excited about inheriting my grandmother’s neurotic Siamese cat.” “Especial” in the place of “special” is very formal and rather old-fashioned.  

Answer 2

specially - that's not a word

especial - that's not an English word

special - it means to be distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual

especially - notably, mainly

Answer 3

special is like one of a kind

i don't think "especial" is a word.

Answer 4

I've only heard "special" and "especially" used in most situations, and I'm pretty well-read, so I'd assume the other two are either uncommon, or incorrect.

Answer 5

Special means "unique," "out of the norm."  Especial is not a word, though I definitely see the confusion since "especially" is.  "Specially" is a challenge to use because there are so many words in our language that say what that says better than that, causing the use of this word to sound  a bit young.  An example might be, "Because it was John's birthday, Jane  prepared his favorite dinner served specially on a linen table cloth with tapered candles on the table."  I would avoid ever using the word.  It's a word, but there are almost always better words.  "Especially" means, "in exception of" or "particularly."

Let me know if I can help you further.